Background

Ph.D., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIM.A., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MIB.S., Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Marianne Bickle is the director of the B.A.I.S. and director of online learning for
the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. Her passion and expertise
in online learning are the driving forces behind her goal to assist students in earning
their bachelor’s degree. In addition to teaching online, Marianne conducts research
in the area of online learning, consumer satisfaction, and retail sales. She has secured
in excess of $8.5 million in funding from Federal research grants, industry research
grants, private donations, gifts-in-kind and training grants.

Dr. Bickle is the president for the International Textile and Apparel Association
(ITAA), the largest association for retailing, textile and apparel design academics
throughout the world. She will be president for 2016-2017 and counselor for 2017-2018.

Prior to her tenure as director of B.A.I.S., Marianne served as department chair of
Retailing. Under her leadership, the department was ranked second in North America
in terms of scholarly research output.

Honors and awards

2009 Outstanding Reviewer Award for work on International Journal of Culture, Tourism
and Hospitality Research. Presentation of the award was from Emerald LiteratiNetwork

Littrell, M., Hyllegard, K., Ogle, J., Bickle, M. C., Buell, J., and Rudd, N. (2006). $448,504 from United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Challenge Grant. "Socially Responsible Advertising and Promotion of Food, Fiber
and Related Products: Developing an Integrated Set of Undergraduate Courses." The
collaborative project includes three institutions: Colorado State University, University
of South Carolina, and The Ohio State University.

Bickle, M. C., and Berry, C. D. (2006). $10,000 grant from Piggly-Wiggly of Carolina. Funds used
for undergraduate scholarships in the Department of Retailing at the University of
South Carolina.